Houzz reveals five design trends going big in 2018

If you’re into design and interiors then you’d know Houzz; they’re your one-stop-shop for inspiration, product discoveries and finding the right architect, designer or contractor.

Houzz has unique insights into how people are designing their homes thanks to a 40 million-strong community of home renovators and professionals. So what’s everyone been loving, researching and buying?

Mixed materials

“Mixing strong earthy materials such as timber and marble will remain popular,” says Walker. This blending also works within the same item family, for example, “extend[ing] into the layering of timbers, with different species used for flooring, furniture and framing.”

Houzzers are loving this trend in the kitchen; “we’re seeing dual-material benchtops which combine wood and marble,” according to walker.

Image: Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd. Supplied.

Knobs with personality

“In 2018, joinery will continue to evolve, with personalised touches showing up in handle treatments,” says Walker. An example she says we’re likely to see more of is the use of large timber knobs that provide contrasting tactile appeal.

Forget mass-manufactured

“Handmade looks will continue to be prized,” says Walker, so we’ll see kinship motifs – looks that evoke a feeling of tribe or folklore – by way of handcrafted woven wall hangings, hand-blocked prints and furniture that doesn’t look mass-manufactured or machined. “Think curvy lines, puffy sofas and linen bean bags like this seating assortment.”Forget mass-manufactured

To achieve this, “‘fat’ shapes and a sense of pliability will be key,” according to Walker. “The appeal of soft furnishings and accessories with a tribal or exotic pattern looks likely to remain strong next year.” She expects there to be even larger and more impactful applications in carpet, wall and window treatments used by those of us with a bold streak.

Tip: Because this ‘kinship’ or ‘folklore’ aesthetic suits slightly darker tones, you might also expect to encounter more forest greens, earthy terracottas, and the odd startling blues in interior colour palettes. Image

Haute Bohemian and brass a hit

Walker believes that interiors are loosening up, and that this concept will continue to evolve in 2018. “This is all about rejecting conformity to particular interior look, a la minimalism, and instead embracing self-expression and imperfection,” explains Walker.

“Whimsical, individual touches will be welcomed – albeit with the odd luxe touch to lift the look – such as brass handles, silk in soft furnishings, even the odd frill.”

Image: GIA Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations. Supplied.

Tip: Houzz have noticed that the interest in metallic isn’t waning, whether brass, copper or gold. But the hot tip is that brass will outshine copper in 2018.

Dress up your drinks

The likely homeware of the year for 2018? “We have been eyeing off drinks carts for a couple of years now, but in late 2017 to 2018 they’ll make a strong showing, used as cocktail accessories and to display interesting vignettes,” says Walker.